LGBT+ and mental health

LGBT+ people are more likely to experience the following:

• Hate crimes and abuse and violence – LGBT people are nearly four times more likely than non-LGBT people to be victims of violent crime 
• Bulling and cyberbullying
• Discrimination
• Challenges around coming out – Coming out can be difficult and can be ongoing challenge for some people as it is rarely a once-in-a-lifetime event.
• Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
• Rejection or being excluded

All these challenges can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing. And, on top of that, some LGBT+ people will experience additional challenges based on certain characteristics including age, religion, ethnicity and gender.

1. Get support from the LGBT+ community

It can feel lonely to be LGBT+, particularly if you haven’t come out to anyone or if you don’t have friends who are also LGBT+. It can be really helpful to make friends with people who are also part of the LGBT+ community so you can talk through the challenges you’re going through. You are not alone and talking to others with shared experiences can provide you with a support network.

Without the exposure I had online to people like me, I’m not sure where or who I would be, only that I would not be so happy and comfortable in my own body and mind. 

Lois, 19, she/they

INFO

Online spaces helped me discover my identity: Lois’ Story

Read Lois’ story

Where to find LGBT+ friends

• University social groups
• Online communities
• Local events and support groups – pride events, book clubs, sports groups or set your own up.
• Volunteer for LGBT+ causes – a great way of helping others in the community and meeting other people.
• LGBT+ bars, restaurants or clubs

2. Reach out to support organisations

There are lots of organisations you can talk to if you’re struggling that are for the LGBT+ community.

Real story

Realising I was bisexual: Pippa’s story

Read Pippa’s story

Telling these people who I didn’t have any social or family connections with how I was feeling helped me get used to talking about something I’d been denying and suppressing for three years

Pippa

LGBT+ support organisations you could go:

• LGBT Foundation – helpline, peer support, therapy
• Gendered intelligence – Meet up with other trans, non-binary and gender-questioning people online and in-person
• Switchboard – LGBT+ helpline

3. Look after your sexual health

Our mental health is strongly linked to our sexual and physical health. While looking after your mind, make sure you’re also looking after your body. Get tested for STIs regularly, use contraception and condoms and use PrEP if you need to.

4. Learn how to manage negative news and social media content around LGBT+ community

It can be upsetting to see negative news and opinions about LGBT+ people in the media. Here are some ways you can try and deal with this negative media:  

• Be a good listener – ask questions and give them space to talk about their experience.
• Educate yourself – learn about LGBT+ issues and understand the challenges your friend may face.
• Validate their feelings – let them know that the emotions they’re feeling are valid.
• Support them – Small things like going to an LGBT+ event with them or helping them make friends can make a huge difference. If they choose to come out to you, let them know that you’re glad they felt comfortable to tell you.
• Speak up – be an active bystander. If you see discrimination speak up if it is safe to do so. Correct people if they use your friend’s incorrect pronouns when they’re not there.
• Check in with them – If you see something on the news that might have an impact on their mental health, ask them how they’re doing or let them know that you’re thinking about them.

Page last reviewed: May 2024